After a year of testing, design and development, Control Union (CU) and its sister company International Test Solutions (ITS) have developed a phased array topdrive shaft scanning tool that has recently been approved by DNV-GL as first of its kind in the world. This approval adds to the general DNV-GL NDT approvals and various Phased Array applications that have been developed over the years.

The benefits of this topdrive shaft scanner (called ScalaShaft®) are numerous. As the phased array tool scans the complete shaft from the inside out (without the requirement for any disassembly) it could be used to replace the 5 yearly maintenance requirement for complete disassembly of the topdrive and surface NDT of the shaft. This is saving downtime and labor related costs as well as the scan allowing for preventive maintenance and risk based inspections as it scans the shaft and its load bearing areas 100% including wear measurements on the outside surface.

CU Managing Director Ron Winands explains: "I am very proud to be the first company in the world to have our topdrive scanning tool approved by DNV-GL. This strengthens our position in the offshore drilling inspection market and adds to our large list of cost saving inspection methods". Rudy Wilhelm (ITS Director and NDT L3) adds: "Together with CU, we believe the advanced NDT applications such as Phased Array will have a major impact on the offshore inspections, saving costs, preventing downtime and increasing reliability and safety. We specialize in solving our clients challenges with our inspection tools". Ron Winands concludes: "This is why we heavily invest in tool development such as the ScalaShaft®, but also our DNV-GL approved bolt testing and other advanced NDT applications, as these are the future of efficient and effective third party inspections".